Patients' journeys through total joint replacement: patterns of medication use

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pain Management
• Health Psychology

Background:

• Osteoarthritis and total joint replacement (TJR) necessitate pain management strategies.
• Existing research details osteoarthritis pain medication use, but TJR's impact on these behaviors is less understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how patients' attitudes and behaviors regarding pain relief medication change around the time of elective TJR.
• To identify factors influencing medication use patterns during the perioperative period of joint replacement.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving in-depth interviews with 24 patients post-hip or knee TJR.
• Thematic analysis of interview transcripts focusing on pre-surgery, in-hospital, and home recovery pain medication use.

Main Results:

• Pain relief medication attitudes and usage are dynamic, not static.
• Many patients alter their pain medication regimen around the time of TJR.
• Changes in medication use were influenced by healthcare professional interactions and evolving patient perceptions of pain relief's value.

Conclusions:

• Understanding perioperative medication-taking behavior is crucial for healthcare professionals managing joint replacement patients.
• Healthcare providers play a key role in shaping patient beliefs about pain relief, impacting effective medication use throughout the TJR process.